ZEVALIN

Who is Zevalin for ?

Ibritumomab is one of many new drugs known as "monoclonal antibodies." It is a breakthrough in cancer treatment. Your doctor will determine if ibritumomab is appropriate for you.

When should I be careful taking Zevalin ?

Before beginning treatment with ibritumomab:

• tell your doctor if you are allergic to murine proteins, rituximab, yttrium chloride, indium chloride, and any other prescription or non-prescription drugs.
   
• tell your doctor if you have received any recent vaccinations.
   
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and non-prescription medications you are currently taking along with any vitamins or herbal products.
   
• tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that can thin the blood or cause a decrease in the number of platelets. These drugs include warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, heparin, enoxaparin (Lovenox), dalteparin (Fragmin), ardeparin (Normiflo), and danaparoid (Orgaron).
   
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Pregnancy should be avoided when on this medication because ibritumomab can cause harm to the fetus. The manufacturer of ibritumomab recommends that effective contraceptive methods should be used during treatment and for up to 12 months following ibritumomab treatment.
   
• tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Avoid breastfeeding because this drug can cause harm to the fetus.

Side Effects

The most common side effects are:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach pain
• cough
• shortness of breath
• dizziness
• joint pain
• anorexia
• anxiety
• bruising
• low blood count

If any of the following side effects are noticed, notify your doctor immediately:

• cold or infection that lasts a long time difficulty breathing or swallowing
• facial or tongue swelling
• wheezing
• hives
• prolonged bleeding
• low blood pressure